I think the c-diff is under control, and I am feeling much stronger, though I’m not quite there yet. The trip to Atlanta was a marvelous experience, and I’m so glad I went. I’m also glad I kept a low profile and returned home in fairly good shape. Due to crowds and the general stress of travel (much as I love it!), I’m often under the weather when I return home. What I’ve learned from this: that it’s okay to take things easy, lounge around in the hotel room when my presence is not required.

Some of you have asked for more information on the Vimala Alphabet, which I discovered quite by accident, while looking online for something else, and have come to love. I realize, however, that the title of Vimala Rodgers’ easily understood book is not the one I gave you before. If you’re interested, look for “Your Handwriting Can Change Your Life”. In short, the book is not about analyzing handwriting, but using this particular alphabet to make deep and lasting changes in the way your brain operates. Practicing the letters actually alters the wiring and, furthermore, I can feel the sparks flying as my busy brain responds. I look forward to practicing every day, and consider it a form of meditation.

Ms. Rodgers presents the alphabet she personally designed, many years ago, utilizing a comprehensive knowledge of graphology as a foundation. Each letter is presented in its ideal form, in order to wire the best possible personal traits into the three pounds of gray matter between our ears. She holds a Phd, so she knows her stuff, but her book and the accompanying diagrams are simple to understand. She suggests a 40 day commitment to practicing the letters, and there are a few rules. One writes in ballpoint pen (never with a pencil or a felt-tip), on plain, unlined paper, turned sideways into the ‘landscape’ position. Why ballpoint? Because the pressure the writer exerts matters. Unlined paper is necessary because the ruled type makes it difficult to ‘think outside the box’, and the landscape position sends a message to the brain: “this is something different, so pay attention.”

At first, the practice was difficult, rather like writing with the non-dominant hand, so one must persist. As instructed, I fill two pages on both sides, and mark the accomplishment on my calendar in descending numbers, starting with 40. I have 14 days left on the trial period, but I have been convinced of the value of changing handwriting from the first week or so. Once I have completed this first round, I will start a new one, focusing on certain letters and ligatures, which are the attachment of two letters, as in ‘th’, ‘be’, etc. Each letter has a particular meaning and instills valuable qualities. The letter T, for instance, is always crossed at the very top of the stem, with no gaps or loops. (There are very few loops in the Vimala Alphabet, which presented a challenge to this loopy ole cowgirl.) Among other benefits, writing T’s this way affects self-discipline and aspects of creative thinking–Nicolo Tesla, along with other visionaries, crossed his T’s in this way. O’s are written in a clockwise direction, and that was tough, too–I’m still working on getting it right, in fact.

Have I noticed changes since beginning the challenge? Yes, though they are quite subtle–I am more tolerant and open to the ideas of others, and I am not nearly so stress-prone as before. I certainly plan to continue the practice indefinitely. For more information, check out the website, iihs.com. Jennifer Crebbin has authored at least two books on the subject of the Vimala Alphabet, and I can recommend them, too.

As I recover, I’ve been listening to TONS of audiobooks. More on that next week.

A new contest begins on Monday. Get those comments in, and have yourself a marvelous, healthy weekend.

Glad you are finally doing better. It’s been a long tunnel for you. I wonder how the writing practice works for lefties. We really are a different group in more ways than one! My brain works right to left and counterclockwise. Stay well!

Just wanted to say I’m glad you’re feeling better. I have been suffering with gout and can’t figure out why, but will do whatever to keep it from coming back again. I’m 73 and no one in my family, that I know of, has ever suffered with it. But, otherwise, I’m healthy and happy. Hope your writing is coming along. I’m reading “Once a Rancher” and have the other two books ready to read after it. What’s next from you? Love and Good Health.

So glad to hear you’re improving and feeling better. This alphabet sounds very intriguing. I’m definitely going to check it out. Thanks so much for sharing the info and your experience so far.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers.
Carol L

Glad you are feeling better. I generally like to fly, but last week when I traveled it was stressful because a flight was cancelled and I spent all day in airports or on a plane for what should have been a 4 hour flight.

You are amazing, Linda. I don’t know how you do all that you do; write, listen to audio books, all your research, cooking up broths, learning new alphabet to make positive changes in how you think, garden, care for your loved ones, this means, family, friends, and animals.

I am glad to year you are recovering from that horrible c-diff. You are such a talent, obviously in many more ways that just your wonderful books – – that my husband and I both enjoy. Keep resting, knock that infection right out of you and continue on doing what you love!